Stroke 20 - Furniture from photo (tutorial)

I had already shown that it is possible to create furniture with simple techniques and get results that are quite effective.

Now I will show all the steps to model a mobile from a simple picture.

This technique is valid for any type of models, including buildings; the end result will depends of the picture quality.

The first step is to arrange the photo (or photos) and measures of the piece you want, in this case a bedside table from the catalog of the Maison du Monde (www.maisonsdumonde.com).

Then we have to create the textures needed in an image program, like Photoshop, starting with cutting the necessary areas, remove image distortion and resizing to the shape necessary, in this case a square.

For this example, we will need an image of top and another from the front of the cabinet; you can use these images to follow the tutorial.

Now the SketchUp.

1 - Shape the basic shape of the mobile, in this case a cube with 45cm side;

2 - Import the image to use (file> import);

3 - Select the image and select the option "use as texture";

4 - Insert the texture from the opposite vertices;

5 - This texture is now available in the list of materials (window> materials // in model), select it and "paint" the others sides of the cabinet. Repeat the process from #2 to the texture the top;

6 - Trace the lower rows of the table top, in this case, to be simpler, I’ve copied the contour of the top;

7 - "Push" the four faces to the line of the feet of the furniture to obtain the basic form;

8 - Create auxiliary lines with the tape measure (if the + symbol is not visible next to the tape press ctrl), just start from an edge (not corner) and select the desired distance;

9 - These auxiliary lines are used to accurately mark the outlines of the inside parts;

10 - "Push" these contours to the opposite face to remove excess material;

11 - Mark the remaining contours from inside and repeat the process to remove material;

12 - At this point, if all went well, the model will have this aspect;

13 - Go back to the list of materials and use the top texture to "paint" the shelf and bottom faces of the remaining mobile;

14 - If you do not want the furniture to have drawers on all four sides, draw a rectangle involving the handle, call the shortcut menu (right mouse button) and select "texture> position";

15 - Drag the texture in order to move the handle out of the rectangle, taking care to maintain the continuity of the surrounding texture, when you´re done call the shortcut menu and select "done";

16 - Select the lines of the rectangle and make them invisible (edit> hide);

17 - The furniture is ready, now just save and use it as a component in your projects.